Frozen Islands: Lake Erie Ice Fishing

Lake Erie offers some of the best fishing in the country and winter is no exception. The area between Green and Rattlesnake Islands, just west of South Bass Island usually forms some of the safest ice on Lake Erie because there are minimal impacts from currents and the islands offer protection from strong winds. Another area that can be productive starts west of Catawba Island and continues to just east of the reef complex area. Various areas of Sandusky Bay can also be good ice fishing destinations. Depending on weather conditions ice fishing can start as early as December and last into March. January and February are usually peak months, but some years don’t produce enough ice for any fishing.

Basic tackle for ice fishing includes short spinning rods specially designed for ice fishing, spinning reels with light (10 pound test or less) monofilament or superlines, and jigs, jigging spoons, jigging Rapalas, blade baits, perch spreaders and crappie rigs. Other valuable equipment includes an ice shanty (pictured above) for protection from the wind, an ice auger for drilling holes, an ice skimmer for scooping ice formation off of your hole, handheld GPS unit, and a portable depth finder (flasher, fish finder, or handheld sonar). Portable kerosene powered heaters help to keep shanties warm during long, cold days of sitting on the ice.

When targeting walleye jigging spoons, blade baits and jigging Rapalas are the baits of choice. The lures are fished near the bottom and slowly jigged. A flasher unit helps track the movement of the lure and also identifies approaching fish. During slow periods shiners are often used to tip the lures and entice bites. Ice fishing for walleye on Lake Erie can occasionally produce fish over 30 inches and 10 pounds.

Yellow perch fishing can also be very good during winter. Perch spreaders and crappie rigs tipped with shiners are commonly used, sometimes in combination with a bobber as a strike indicator. Fish near the bottom and move around until active fish are located. Yellow perch from 8 to 12 inches are common with an occasional trophy over 14 inches.

Regardless of where you decide to fish safety should be your first concern. Always fish in groups and be familiar with the area that you are fishing. Lake Erie’s currents and windy storm events can produce thin ice or cause areas of ice to break and float into open water. Make sure to carry or wear a floatation device and carry ice spikes to help you just in case you do go through. If you are new to the area, numerous ice guides are available for hire. Be safe and create warm memories ice fishing.

Ohio DNR

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Reviewer Date Posted Grade G Lobas 6/1/09